Nong Bua Lamphu

Thailand

Nong Bua Lamphu (หนองบัวลำภ) is a city and province in Isaan.

Established in Dec 1993, Nong Bua Lamphu became the 76th province of Thailand. Before separation, Nong Bua Lampu was part of Udon Thani. Although the province was established relatively recently, it has a long history. Archaeological artifacts found in the area indicate that there were human settlements in Nong Bua Lampu since pre-history. About 200 years ago, a town was established by Lao people from the left side of Mekong River. The name Nong Bua Lampu appears in historical records as a rest venue for the Siamese Army during their march to fight against Vientiane in both the Ayuthaya and the Rattanakosin eras. Besides picturesque nature, namely the Phu Phan Range, and a beautiful lake, Nong Bua Lampu is rich with cultural attractions, such as archaeological sites, and interesting local handicrafts.

  • Monument and Shrine of King Naresuan the Great. Built to commemorate King Naresuan the Great, who in 1574 led his army from Nong Bua Lampu to Vientiane under orders of the King of Hongsa, the kingdom of Burma which ruled Thailand at that time.
  • Museum of Luang Pu Lod. In the compound of Wat Tham Klong Pen is the Pmotita Pagoda, which houses a relic of the Lord Buddha sent from Nepal.
  • Namtok Huay To Botanical Park. This shady park is a popular place for picnics. The secreted shrine of Pu Loop is nearby.
  • None Wat Pa. The historical site once was an ancient temple with a stone Buddha image in the attitude of seating under the protection of a naga. Ancient architecture and antiques from the Khmer era are found here.
  • Nong Bua. This big pond is in front of the city hall. As it never dries, the pond with beautiful backdrop of the Phu Phan Kham Range is a popular spot for repose.
  • Phra Wor Phra Ta City Pillar Shrine. The city pillar shrine was built to honour the founders of the city.
  • Phu Phan Noi. The mountain provides a great view point, "dao bon din" or "stars on the ground".
  • Shell Fossil Museum. Fossils of shells from the Jurassic period, dating to 140-150 million years ago. In the nearby area, 60 dinosaur fossils can be seen in the layer of silt stone, above the layer where the fossils of shells and ancient crocodiles are found.
  • Wat Sri Koon Muang. The ancient temple houses ancient stone leaves which are significant archaeological artifacts, and "Luang Por Phra Chaichettha", a significant Buddha statue in Laotian-style.
  • Wat Tham Klong Pen. This is the province's famed forest temple. Blanketed with lush vegetable and decorated with rock garden, the temple is shady and peaceful. The main hall (ubosot) houses a statue of Luang Pu Khao and two-sided ancient drum or Klong Pen.

Monument and Shrine of King Naresuan the Great. Built to commemorate King Naresuan the Great, who in 1574 led his army from Nong Bua Lampu to Vientiane under orders of the King of Hongsa, the kingdom of Burma which ruled Thailand at that time.

Museum of Luang Pu Lod. In the compound of Wat Tham Klong Pen is the Pmotita Pagoda, which houses a relic of the Lord Buddha sent from Nepal.

Namtok Huay To Botanical Park. This shady park is a popular place for picnics. The secreted shrine of Pu Loop is nearby.

None Wat Pa. The historical site once was an ancient temple with a stone Buddha image in the attitude of seating under the protection of a naga. Ancient architecture and antiques from the Khmer era are found here.

Nong Bua. This big pond is in front of the city hall. As it never dries, the pond with beautiful backdrop of the Phu Phan Kham Range is a popular spot for repose.

Phra Wor Phra Ta City Pillar Shrine. The city pillar shrine was built to honour the founders of the city.

Phu Phan Noi. The mountain provides a great view point, "dao bon din" or "stars on the ground".

Shell Fossil Museum. Fossils of shells from the Jurassic period, dating to 140-150 million years ago. In the nearby area, 60 dinosaur fossils can be seen in the layer of silt stone, above the layer where the fossils of shells and ancient crocodiles are found.

Wat Sri Koon Muang. The ancient temple houses ancient stone leaves which are significant archaeological artifacts, and "Luang Por Phra Chaichettha", a significant Buddha statue in Laotian-style.

Wat Tham Klong Pen. This is the province's famed forest temple. Blanketed with lush vegetable and decorated with rock garden, the temple is shady and peaceful. The main hall (ubosot) houses a statue of Luang Pu Khao and two-sided ancient drum or Klong Pen.

Isaan cuisine borrows heavily from Lao cuisine and is distinctly different from central Thai cooking, although there has been a considerable amount of cross-pollination. Perhaps the best-known Isaan dish is som tam (or tam mak hung in Lao/Isaan), a spicy salad prepared from unripe papayas. While Thais prepare this with dried shrimp, in Isaan the preferred style is with preserved crab (puu) or mud fish, an acquired taste. Other characteristic dishes include roast chicken (gai yaang), sticky rice (khao niaw) and a wide variety of cold meat, mint and lemon juice salads known as larb.